26 MPG combined. That’s the yardstick by which the 2022 Toyota Avalon XLE 3.5L is measured, and unpacking that figure is helpful. This isn’t a compact commuter car; it’s a full-size sedan, designed for comfortable cruising and effortless highway miles. Avalon buyers prioritize space, a smooth ride, and Toyota reliability above all else. Fuel economy is a consideration, of course, but it’s often weighed against the benefits of a powerful V6 and the sheer presence this car offers. With that in mind, 26 MPG starts to look perfectly reasonable.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates break down the Avalon’s fuel consumption to 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the reality of stop-and-go driving, where the Avalon’s weight and the engine’s displacement work against it. The highway figure, however, showcases the engine’s efficiency at a steady cruise. The smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its optimal range, contributing to respectable mileage on long road trips. This difference between city and highway MPG highlights the Avalon’s designed purpose: eating up highway miles in comfort.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2022 Toyota Avalon XLE 3.5L is $1,700. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a combination of city and highway driving, and is based on the national average fuel prices. Of course, real-world fuel costs may vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific blend of gasoline used. Still, $1,700 provides a good benchmark against which to compare running costs with other vehicles in its class.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Factors such as driving style, traffic conditions, and even tire pressure can influence the MPG you achieve. Avalon owners who prioritize fuel efficiency and adopt a gentle driving style can often meet or even exceed the EPA’s estimates. Conversely, aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will negatively impact fuel economy. You can expect the car to perform well on long highway stretches, potentially reaching close to or even slightly above the 32 MPG EPA rating if driven conservatively.

How it compares

The 2022 Avalon’s fuel economy is competitive within the full-size sedan segment, but direct rivals offer different advantages. For example, the Nissan Maxima, with its 3.5L V6, closely matches the Avalon at around 25 MPG combined. However, some more modern alternatives are more frugal. A Kia K5 GT with its 2.5L turbo will offer the same power with slightly improved mpg ratings. If you’re willing to sacrifice some interior space, a smaller car like a Toyota Camry XLE V6 (with basically the same engine) might offer a MPG boost, in the 25-29 combined range. These comparisons are important for the Avalon buyer, who may be willing to accept slightly lower fuel economy in exchange for the Avalon’s superior interior space and reputation for strong reliability. You can browse all Toyota fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Avalon’s 3.5L V6 responds well to gentle throttle inputs. Avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The engine’s ample torque means it doesn’t need to be revved hard to deliver adequate performance, so take advantage of that.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy and can be dangerous. Check your tire pressures regularly.

While the Avalon’s 8-speed automatic is designed for efficiency, consider using the car’s cruise control system on long highway drives. This helps maintain a constant speed, minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which are detrimental to fuel economy. Also, reduce excessive idling when possible, as it burns fuel without moving the car. If you plan to buy this car used, thoroughly review the AVALON MPG across all years to inform your choice.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Excess cargo in the trunk or backseat adds to the car’s overall weight, which requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove any items you don’t need to carry on a regular basis.